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National Grid on the job to reduce estimated bills

Sentinel & Enterprise

Updated:
03/05/2016 06:32:54 AM EST

During the month of February, your publication covered the subject of National Grid estimated meter reads in the city of Leominster.

We want our customers to know -- as I mentioned during the conversation we held Feb. 25 -- that long-term estimated meter reads, while rare, are unacceptable. I have asked that members of my team from customer relations, billing operations and our meter reading group come together and examine our processes, identify the problem and take the necessary steps to address it.

Automatic meter reading has drastically reduced the need for estimated bills; however, a broken meter or inability to access a meter for reading can prompt an estimated meter read.

Of the nearly 18,500 electric meters in Leominster, fewer than 350 were estimated in the month of February. That is consistent with the statewide average of less than 2 percent of meter reads being estimated. Barring unusual circumstances, there is no reason for this to happen for several months in a row, as the customers you have featured in your articles have experienced. We are committed to addressing this issue.

Lastly, thank you to all of your readers who attended our Community Connections event last week and shared their thoughts and concerns. We have been holding these conversations for the last year and each of them has been valuable to me.

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I will continue to seek a resolution to the issues that were raised and National Grid will continue to support energy supply solutions that bring down market electricity prices for our customers across New England.

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